Omawumi
Omawumi Megbele during an interview in 2016
Omawumi Megbele during an interview in 2016
Background information
Birth nameOmawumi Megbele
Also known asOmawumi
Born (1982-04-13) 13 April 1982
Delta State, Nigeria[1]
OriginWarri, Delta State
GenresSoul,[2] R&B,[3] pop,[4] afro-pop[2]
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, actress
Years active2007–present

Omawumi Megbele (born 13 April 1982), known by her stage name Omawumi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress of Itsekiri ethnicity.[5] She is a brand ambassador for Globacom,[6] Konga.com, and Malta Guinness. She's also part of the campaign called "Rise with the Energy of Africa".[7] She gained attention as the 2007 runner-up on West African Idols, a reality TV show part of the Idols franchise.[8] Her second album, The Lasso of Truth, was reported to be a commercial success in Nigeria.[9]

Early life

Omawumi was born on 13 April 1982 to Chief Dr. Frank and Mrs. Aya Megbele.[10]

Education

She began her education at Nana Primary School during her pupilage, and later attended the College of Education Demonstration Secondary School. She graduated from Ambrose Alli University with a law degree. After graduating in 2005, she moved to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where she worked with her family's law firm called "O.S Megbele & Associates". She also studied French at Alliance Francaise. She married Tosin Yusuf on 13 January 2018. She is the event convener at GLG Communications.[11]

Career

Omawumi rose to prominence as a contestant on Idols West Africa. Omawumi was voted the 1st runner-up of the competition when it ended in May 2007. Since then, she has had numerous performances on the stage with musicians such as P-Square, 2face Idibia, Phyno, D'Banj, Banky W, M.I, Sasha, 9ice, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Carl Thomas, Angie Stone and Donell Jones, Angélique Kidjo, among others. In September 2008, Omawumi released her debut single "In The Music". Her album Wonderwoman was released on November 11, 2009.[12] The album The Lasso of Truth was released on April 10, 2013.[13]   The Lasso of Truth.

Her fourth album In Her Feelings was released on 14 June 2019,[14] which comprises Afro-fusion and Jazz to R&B, ‘In Her Feelings’ embodies tracks of multiple genres which include ‘For My Baby’, ‘Mr. Sinnerman’, ‘Away’, ‘True Loving’, ‘Tabansi’ and ‘Green Grass’.[15]

Her single ‘Lituation’ was released on May 22, 2020. she dropped her 4th studio album tagged Love Deep High Life (LDHL)[16] and containing features from Phyno, Waje, Brymo, and Ric Hassani.

Acting career

Even before Omawumi made her official debut in the world of make-believe, she has always incorporated the element of visual demonstration and dramatic elements into her music videos which in turn, deem her worthy of being a thespian and the movie roles that came her way. She kick-started with a role on stage in the 2009 edition of the V-Monologues. A literary work geared toward portraying the plights and struggles of women in Nigeria. She subsequently went on to score a role in Olurumbi, a Yoruba indigenous folktale and musical. She made her screen debut in 2010 with the high budget AMAA award-winning film, Inale. A Nigerian musical drama hosting an array of actors within Nollywood and Hollywood. She made her second appearance alongside Ice Prince, in the Ghanaian movie titled ‘House of Gold’ produced by Yvonne Nelson and directed by Pascal Amanfo in 2013. In 2019, she leaped to venture into movie production as she joined forces with Waje to collaborate on a film project as co-producers. The movie titled ‘She Is’ directed by Eneng Enaji is an extension or replica of her humanitarian works and the values she has upheld and consistently communicated in her work of art. ‘She Is’ takes a ride through the societal standards, expectations and, restrictions a successful Nigerian woman is fa within Nigeria. The film is a presentational art that paints a picture as it is in the sociand raises questions and debates topics on possible solutions. She starred in the movie, alongside her co-producer.

Discography

Studio albums
  • Wonder Woman (2009)
  • Lasso of Truth (2013)
  • Timeless (2017)
  • Love Deep High Life (LDHL) (2021)[17]
EPs
  • In Her Feelings (2019)
Singles
  • Lituation ft. Philkeyz (2020) [18]

Filmography

Year Film Role Notes
2010 Inale with Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Caroline Chikezie and Nse Ikpe Etim
2011 The Return of Jenifa with Funke Akindele and Helen Paul
2013 House of Gold Nina Dan Ansah with Yvonne Nelson and Majid Michel
2014 Make a Move with Ivie Okujaye and Majid Michel
In the Music in post production

Selected awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref
2009 The Headies 2009 Best Vocal Performance (Female) "In the Music" Won [19]
2014 ELOY Awards Best Female Artist — Nominated [20]
2016 The Headies 2016 Best Vocal Performance (Female) "Play Na Play" (featuring Angélique Kidjo) Nominated [21][22]
2018 The Headies 2018 Best Recording of the Year "Butterflies" Nominated [23]
Best Vocal Performance (Female) Won

References

  1. ↑ "Omawumi @Omawumi – Artist Profile". Africax5.tv. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Bands We Like: Nigerian Singer Omawumi's Powerful Voice". MTV Iggy. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  3. ↑ "Omawumi, Ice Prince debut in Yvonne Nelson's new movie". Vanguard News. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "Omawumi gives birth to baby girl in US". Vanguard News. 20 June 2011. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  5. ↑ "I never knew I would become a musician – Omawumi". Nigerian Tribune. 28 December 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  6. ↑ "Glo Picks Omawumi, Others As New Ambassadors". PM News. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  7. ↑ "my first job was the team song I did for Malta Guinness with Cohbams Asuquo". vanguard. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
  8. ↑ Yemisi, Adeniran (22 June 2013). "Omawumi Megbele: Red, hot and rising". National Mirror. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ↑ Olatuja, Adebimpe (27 December 2013). "Music: Best of entertainment in 2013". National Mirror. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ↑ "Omawumi Megbele - Profile, Age, Net worth and Biography". allnews.ng. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  11. ↑ "GLG Communications, Others Engage Private, Public Sectors' Leaders on LeadershiP – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  12. ↑ BellaNaija.com (26 October 2009). "'Wonder Woman' Omawumi ready to take over in November". BellaNaija. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  13. ↑ Aiki, Damilare (8 April 2013). "BN Exclusive: First Photos & Scoop from the "Omawumi in Concert: The Lasso of Truth" Show in Lagos". BellaNaija. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  14. ↑ https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/06/17/all-that-went-down-at-omawumis-listening-party/
  15. ↑ Omawumi - In Her Feelings, 2019, retrieved 9 November 2023
  16. ↑ BellaNaija.com (13 August 2021). "Omawumi Serves Up Highly-Anticipated Album "Love Deep High Life"". BellaNaija. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  17. ↑ "ALBUM: Omawumi – Love Deep High Life (LDHL)". LOKCITYMUSIC.COM. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  18. ↑ "Omawumi x Philkeyz - Lituation (With Lyrics)". Naijapals. 8 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  19. ↑ Headies, The (25 October 2009). "Hiphop World Awards 2009 Nominees List - The Headies". Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  20. ↑ "Seyi Shay, Toke Makinwa, Mo'Cheddah, DJ Cuppy, Others Nominated". Pulse Nigeria. Chinedu Adiele. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  21. ↑ Akan, Joey (21 December 2016). "Headies 2016, Full Winners List". Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  22. ↑ "The Headies Awards 2016: Complete list of Nominees - INFORMATION NIGERIA". INFORMATION NIGERIA. 9 November 2016. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  23. ↑ "Headies releases nominees for 2018 awards [FULL LIST] - Daily Post Nigeria". Daily Post Nigeria. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
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